Multifunctional seat arrangement for a passenger cabin of a vehicle

Abstract

A multifunctional seat arrangement for a passenger cabin of a vehicle includes at least one first seat and one second seat which is laterally arranged directly adjacent to the at least one first seat. The second seat is narrower than the first seat, and the second seat has a pivotable seat surface extension which is pivotable into different positions relative to the seat surface of the second seat. Support functions and a child seat function or baby carrier function may be achieved thereby.

Claims

1. A multifunctional seat arrangement for a passenger cabin of a vehicle, comprising: at least one first seat comprising a first seat surface and a first backrest; and one second seat laterally arranged directly adjacent to the at least one first seat; wherein the second seat has a second seat surface, a second backrest and a seat surface extension pivotably mounted on the second seat surface and arranged opposite the second backrest; wherein the seat surface extension is releasably lockable in a plurality of pivoted positions including at least a first position in which the seat surface extension is oriented towards a cabin floor, a second position in which the seat surface extension is arranged parallel to the second seat surface, a third a position which encloses an angle of at least 90° relative to the second seat surface and in which it faces the second backrest, and a fourth position in which the seat surface extension is folded flush onto the second seat surface; wherein the first seat surface and the second seat surface have the same seat height; and wherein the second seat has a smaller width than the at least one first seat.

2. The seat arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the second backrest is configured to be folded flush onto the second seat surface.

3. The seat arrangement according to claim 2, wherein the second backrest has on a rear face a planar bearing surface with a non-slip coating.

4. The seat arrangement according to claim 2, wherein the second backrest has on a rear face at least one recess for receiving an object.

5. The seat arrangement according to claim 2, wherein the second backrest has on a rear face at least one electronic device which is couplable to a mobile device.

6. The seat arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the seat surface extension has on a rear face a planar bearing surface with a non-slip coating.

7. The seat arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the seat surface extension has on a rear face at least one recess for receiving an object.

8. The seat arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the seat surface extension has on a rear face at least one electronic device which is couplable to a mobile device.

9. The seat arrangement according to claim 1, further comprising a foldably mounted armrest integrated on the second seat and/or on the directly adjacent first seat, wherein the armrest is configured to be folded flush into a contour of the second backrest and/or the first backrest of the directly adjacent first seat.

10. The seat arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the second seat has a fastening device for retaining an additional child seat which is positionable onto the second seat surface.

11. The seat arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the second backrest is lower than the first backrest.

12. The seat arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the second seat and the directly adjacent first seat are arranged such that no gap is formed between the second seat and the directly adjacent first seat.

13. A passenger cabin comprising: a cabin floor; a cabin interior trim; a plurality of passenger seats arranged on the cabin floor; and at least one seat arrangement according to claim 1.

14. An aircraft comprising: an aircraft fuselage; and a passenger cabin in the aircraft fuselage, the passenger cabin configured according to claim 13.

15. The aircraft according to claim 14, wherein: the aircraft has a conical shape at at least one axial end of the aircraft fuselage at least in some regions; and the at least one seat arrangement is arranged at the at least one axial end.

16. The aircraft according to claim 14, wherein: the seat arrangement extends from an aisle to the cabin interior trim; and the first seat which is oriented toward the aisle terminates flush with the aisle.

17. The aircraft according to claim 14, wherein the passenger cabin has at least one seat row arranged between two aisles, and which has at least one seat arrangement.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) Further features, advantages and possible uses are disclosed in the following description of the exemplary embodiments and the figures. In this case, all of the features described and/or shown illustratively form per se and in any combinations the subject matter of the disclosure irrespective of the combination thereof in the individual claims or the back-references thereof. In the figures, moreover, the same reference numerals represent objects which are the same or similar.

(2) FIGS. 1 to 6 show a seat arrangement in different configurations in a three-dimensional view.

(3) FIGS. 7a and 7b show the second seat in a side view in a plurality of different configurations.

(4) FIG. 8 shows the backrests of a first seat and of the second seat in a front view.

(5) FIG. 9 shows a plan view of the rear face of the second backrest.

(6) FIG. 10 shows an installed situation of a first seat and of the second seat in a front view.

(7) FIG. 11 shows a tail cone of an aircraft fuselage in a sectional plan view.

(8) FIG. 12 shows a slightly modified version of the view of FIG. 11.

(9) FIG. 13 shows a further modified view based on FIG. 11.

(10) FIG. 14 shows an aircraft in a three-dimensional view.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(11) The following detailed description is merely illustrative in nature and is not intended to limit the embodiments of the subject matter or the application and uses of such embodiments. As used herein, the word “exemplary” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as exemplary is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description.

(12) FIG. 1 shows a multifunctional seat arrangement 2 for a passenger cabin 4 of a vehicle. The seat arrangement 2 has, in the exemplary embodiment shown, a first seat 6 and a second seat 8 which is laterally arranged directly adjacent to the first seat 6. The second seat 8 directly adjoins a cabin interior trim 7 and, as a result, is oriented toward a cabin window 5.

(13) The first seat 6 has a first seat surface 10 and a first backrest 12. Similarly, the second seat 8 has a second seat surface 14 and a second backrest 16. Additionally, a seat surface extension 18 is pivotably mounted on a side of the second seat surface 14 opposing the second backrest 16. The second backrest 16 has a lower height h than the first backrest 12, the height thereof being identified by H. Moreover, it may be seen that the second seat 8 has a smaller width than the first seat 6.

(14) The second seat 8 may be provided with a seatbelt 20 which, in particular, is adapted for small children. As a result, an optimal restraint of a child is possible by the seatbelt 20 being able to fit snugly in a suitable manner against the hips. Due to the smaller height h of the second backrest 16 a comfortable support of the back and shoulders is possible, even in the case of small children.

(15) The view in FIG. 1 schematically shows a baby 22 who is located on the second seat surface 14. In this position, a nappy change could be carried out, for example, or in this position an additional child seat (not shown) could be arranged on the second seat 8. In order to be able to provide a larger reclining surface, the seat surface extension 18 may be pivoted up.

(16) In FIG. 2 the seat surface extension 18 is shown with the pivoted-up seat surface extension 18 which runs parallel to the second seat surface 14. The angle enclosed between the second seat surface 14 and the seat surface extension 18 is approximately 180°. The second seat surface 14 and the seat surface extension 18, as a result, provide a relatively large surface which could serve for sleeping purposes in the case of a baby or small child. Preferably, the seat surface extension 18 on this side is particularly soft so that comfortable reclining is possible.

(17) In particular, in the case of very small children it could also be provided to arrange an additional baby carrier or a flat reclining seat here and, in particular, to fasten said baby carrier or reclining seat by the seatbelt 20 to the second seat 8. Alternatively or additionally, fastening devices 24 may also be arranged in a transition region between the second seat back 16 and the second seat surface 14, said fastening devices serving for fixing an additional baby seat or child seat. These fastening devices may be arranged so as to be concealed in a joint 26 and designed in a similar manner to that provided in a motor vehicle.

(18) With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 it is also clear that both seat surfaces 10 and 14 have the same height and both backrests 12 and 16 are arranged flush and adjacent to one another. It is conceivable that the second backrest 16 is always arranged parallel to the first backrest 12, so that both backrests 12 and 16 behave in the manner of a single backrest. However, it is also conceivable that the second backrest 16 in these configurations always remains in the position shown here and may not be pivoted further to the rear.

(19) In a further joint 28 which runs between the two backrests 12 and 16, a pivotably mounted armrest 30 is arranged. This armrest is configured in the exemplary embodiments such that it disappears completely into the joint 28, as soon as it is pivoted toward the backrests 12 and 16. As a result, an embodiment of both backrests 12 and 16 as a combined backrest is not excluded.

(20) FIG. 3 shows a further possible position of the seat surface extension 18. Here the second seat surface 14 and the seat surface extension 18 enclose an angle of approximately 100°. If a parent of the baby 22 is seated on the first seat 6, the baby is fully protected from falling out between the cabin interior trim 7, the second backrest 16, the seat surface extension 18 and the parent. In such a position, undisturbed sleep is possible.

(21) In a further configuration which is shown in FIG. 4, the seat surface extension 18 is fully folded onto the second seat surface 14 so that it bears flush thereagainst. Preferably, the seat surface extension has a planar rear face 32 which has a non-slip coating. A user who is seated on the first seat 6 may deposit personal belongings here, such as for example a notebook 34 and paper documents. The rear face 32 may also comprise cup holders 36 or other recesses which permits a user to deposit beverage containers or other objects in a secure manner. This is particularly convenient since the height of the rear face 32 is greater than the height of the first seat surface 10 and, as a result, the deposited objects are able to be reached more easily. Moreover, the rear face 32 may be provided with power connections 38 which permit a user to charge up mobile terminal devices. In addition to proprietary interfaces, conventional power sockets and connections for rapid charging of notebooks or similar larger devices, connections having small DC voltages of low power, such as for example USB connections, are also conceivable. Additionally or alternatively, inductive charging devices 40 may also be integrated in the rear face 32 and may be marked by an instruction correspondingly printed thereon. Since electrical devices are conventionally present in a passenger seat the provision of the seat surface extension 18 with these components is readily conceivable.

(22) In FIG. 5 an alternative or additional variant is shown. Here the second backrest 16 is fully pivotable onto the second seat surface 14. For depositing objects a rear face 42 of the second backrest 16 is provided with a non-slip surface which is also preferably entirely flat. Cup holders 36 or other recesses, which are shown in slightly more detail in a figure further below, could also be provided here.

(23) In FIG. 6 a further configuration is shown in which the seat surface extension 18 faces away from the second seat surface 14 toward a cabin floor 44. The armrest 30 is located in the folded-up position and a seatbelt 46 of the first seat 6 is connected to the seatbelt 20 of the second seat 8 via a belt buckle 48. To this end, in particular, the second seat 8 has a belt buckle 48. The longer seatbelt formed thereby extends over both seat surfaces 10.

(24) FIGS. 7a and 7b show once again the different configurations of the second seat 8 in a side view. Whilst in FIG. 7a the second backrest 16 which bears against the second seat surface 14 is shown, whilst the seat surface extension 18 faces the cabin floor 44, FIG. 7b shows the possible positions of the seat surface extension 18 when the second backrest 16 is folded up. The position of the seat surface extension 18 identified by I represents a conventional seating mode, in particular for an adult, or when using the second backrest 16 as a support. In the position II the seat surface extension 18 is arranged parallel to the second seat surface 14 and may be used for changing a nappy of a baby 22 or as a reclining surface for a baby or a small child. The position III represents the configuration shown in FIG. 3 in which a baby 22 is securely protected from falling off. The position IV permits the use of the seat surface extension 18 as a support.

(25) FIG. 8 shows in a plan view the size ratios of the two backrests 12 and 16 as well as an arrangement of the armrest 30 which disappears into the joint 28 when it is folded up. A cutout 29 which is dimensioned for receiving the armrest 30 could be present in or behind the joint 28. The cutout 29 may extend laterally into both adjacent backrests 12 and 16.

(26) FIG. 9 shows the rear face 42 of the second backrest 16 in which adjacent to the cup holders 36 a trough-shaped recess 50 is also arranged, in order for example to secure a mobile terminal device from sliding down. By way of example, an input device 52 is arranged in the rear face 42 and could be connected wirelessly to a mobile terminal device. By way of example, a wireless keyboard 52 is indicated here.

(27) FIG. 10 shows the two backrests 12 and 16 in a size comparison directly adjacent to the cabin interior trim 7. Here it is clear that the available constructional space between the first seat 6 and the cabin interior trim 7 is utilized very effectively by the second seat 8, and the second backrest 16 due to its reduced height is fitted very efficiently into the available constructional space.

(28) FIG. 11 demonstrates by way of example the position of two seat arrangements 2 located one behind the other, with in each case two first seats 6 and one second seat 8 in a tail cone 54 at a tail region 55 as an axial end of an aircraft fuselage 56 in which the available constructional space counter to a longitudinal direction x becomes narrower. The second seats 8 are directly adjacent to the cabin interior trim. To the front of the seat arrangements 2 in the longitudinal direction x, numerous passenger seats 58 are arranged in rows of three, wherein each passenger seat 58 may correspond to a first seat 6. By way of example two rows, with in each case two passenger seats 58, are arranged to the rear of the seat arrangements 2. The space taken up by the seat arrangements 2 is not sufficient for three conventional passenger seats 58 which are arranged adjacent to one another. However, in the case of two passenger seats 58 the constructional space would produce a relatively large gap with the cabin interior trim. This gap is closed in each case by a second seat 8. Particularly advantageously, no lateral offset is present between the seats oriented toward an aisle 60 so that all seats 6 and 58 terminate flush with the aisle 60.

(29) FIG. 12 shows a slightly modified variant of the cabin 4 in which a plurality of outer seat rows 59 in the lateral direction, which in each case have passenger seats 58, are laterally offset slightly inwardly. The cabin 4 additionally has central seat rows between the aisles 60. The majority thereof are provided with four passenger seats 58. Three central seat rows 61 which in each case have three conventional passenger seats 58 are arranged in the region of the seat rows 59 laterally offset inwardly. A seat row 63, which is called the intermediate row here and which is arranged between the seat rows 61 and the seat rows with four passenger seats 58 located to the front thereof, however, has two passenger seats 58 and a seat arrangement 2 which is inserted into the intermediate row 63. It might also be conceivable to arrange these intermediate rows 63 or any other seat row with a seat arrangement 2 integrated therein in other regions of the cabin 4.

(30) A plurality of intermediate rows 63 which are provided with a seat arrangement 2 are shown in FIG. 13. The positioning of the seat arrangement 2 is variable so that, for example, in each case successive intermediate rows 63 have a seat arrangement 2 at different positions.

(31) Finally, FIG. 14 shows an aircraft 62 with the aircraft fuselage 56, the tail cone 54 and the passenger cabin 4 in which at least one seat arrangement 2 is provided.

(32) It should also be mentioned that “comprising” does not exclude other elements or steps and “one” or “a” does not exclude a plurality. Moreover, it should be mentioned that features which have been described with reference to one of the above exemplary embodiments may also be used in combination with other features of other exemplary embodiments described above. Reference numerals in the claims are not to be regarded as a limitation.

REFERENCE NUMBERS

(33) 2 Seat arrangement

(34) 4 Passenger cabin

(35) 5 Cabin window

(36) 6 First seat

(37) 7 Cabin interior trim

(38) 8 Second seat

(39) 10 First seat surface

(40) 12 First backrest

(41) 14 Second seat surface

(42) 16 Second backrest

(43) 18 Seat surface extension

(44) 20 Seatbelt

(45) 22 Baby

(46) 24 Fastening device

(47) 26 Joint

(48) 28 Joint

(49) 29 Cutout

(50) 30 Armrest

(51) 32 Rear face (of the seat surface extension)

(52) 34 Notebook

(53) 36 Cup holder

(54) 38 Power connection

(55) 40 Inductive charging device

(56) 42 Rear face (of the second backrest)

(57) 44 Cabin floor

(58) 46 Seatbelt

(59) 48 Belt buckle

(60) 50 Trough-shaped recess

(61) 52 Input device

(62) 54 Tail cone

(63) 55 Tail region

(64) 56 Aircraft fuselage

(65) 58 Passenger seat

(66) 59 Outer seat row

(67) 60 Aisle

(68) 61 Central seat row

(69) 62 Aircraft

(70) 63 Seat row/intermediate row